Inflammatory molecules released by pollen trigger allergies
Scientists discovered that birch pollen extracts inhibit a protein that normally blocks allergic reactions, leading to increased sensitivity in allergy-prone individuals.
Allergic Reactions
Articles tagged with Allergic Reactions
A site for sore eyes: New target for allergies found under the eyelid
A study at University College London found that macrophage inflammatory protein-1a plays a crucial role in allergic responses. Drugs blocking MIP-1a's binding to its receptors could help treat ocular allergy and other diseases.
'Outgrown' a peanut allergy? Eat more peanuts!
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children who eat concentrated peanut products frequently have a lower chance of having their peanut allergy recur. The researchers recommend that these children maintain tolerance by consuming peanut products at least once a month.
p110 delta: A key player in the allergic response
A study by Dr. Bart Vanhaesebroeck and his team found that inactivating p110delta in mast cells significantly reduces the allergic response seen in mice. Current therapies targeting symptoms rather than mast cell activation are insufficient, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.
For kids who may never outgrow bee sting allergies: Shots reduce risk
A study found that children who received venom immunotherapy for moderate to severe allergic reactions had a lower risk of future reactions, including those with no prior treatment. The therapy was shown to last for up to three and a half years, making it an effective long-term solution for managing bee sting allergies.
Children with serious insect-sting allergies should get shots to avoid life-threatening reactions
Researchers found that children who received venom allergy shots had significantly fewer life-threatening reactions when restung, even years later. Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla recommends the shots for kids with severe allergic reactions to insect stings, which are responsible for at least 40 fatal stings per year.
Study reports seafood allergies often begin later in life
A nationwide survey found that approximately 11 million people in the US have food allergies, with shellfish being the most commonly reported severe allergy in adults. The study also revealed that seafood allergies often begin later in life, with a prevalence of at least 2.5% among adults and 0.8% among children.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 8, 2004
Guidelines for food allergy testing
Researchers recommend performing oral food challenges on children with at least a 50-50 chance of passing, based on IgE antibody levels less than 2.0 kilounits per liter of blood. This guideline aims to reduce unnecessary avoidance of common allergenic foods and improve the accuracy of food allergy diagnosis.
Serious allergic reactions in cancer patients call for expert nursing intervention
Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions can occur in cancer patients receiving potentially life-prolonging agents, necessitating expert nursing care. Nurses play a critical role in monitoring patients, stabilizing reactions, and providing emotional support.
Scientists identify genes that regulate allergic response to diesel fumes
Researchers found a link between a family of antioxidant-related genes and the allergic response to diesel exhaust particles. The study suggests that people lacking these genes may have difficulty fighting air pollution's harmful effects, with potential treatments being explored.
A spoon full of sugar helps inflammation go down
Researchers developed a novel fluorosugar modifier that prevents leukocyte migration to inflamed skin. This finding offers new hope for treating inflammatory diseases.
Pediatric food allergies: What every parent should know
Pediatric food allergies affect 6-8% of infants/children, primarily milk. Diagnosis involves a complete work-up, including history, physical, laboratory evaluation, and biopsy. Treatment includes elimination diets, oral challenge testing, and treatment for severe reactions.
From Hopkins: Children may outgrow peanut allergies
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center and Arkansas Children's Hospital found that certain children with low levels of allergy antibodies may completely lose their peanut allergy. The study suggests that these 'outgrowers' should be retested on a regular basis to determine if they have maintained their tolerance level.
Study shows asthmatics more irritated by airborne dog allergens than cat allergens
A new study reveals that dogs cause a stronger reaction in asthmatics than cats, even though more people are allergic to cats. The study found that dogs triggered a combination of reactions that included reduced air exhalation and increased nitric oxide release due to inflammation.
Concerns over peanut allergy
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published a comprehensive review of peanut allergy prevalence, highlighting its severity and early onset. Self-injectable epinephrine remains a cornerstone of peanut allergy management, while new therapies are being developed to address this condition.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 12, 2003
Immune responses to peanuts are key in a growing allergic phenomenon
A study published in JCI Journals identified unique immunological factors produced by immune cells of peanut-allergic children compared to non-allergic individuals and those who outgrown their allergies. These findings suggest the development of allergic reactions depends on host immune response rather than inherent allergenic properties.
Taking the sting out of ant stings
A study found that venom immunotherapy significantly reduced the risk of severe systemic reactions to jack jumper ant stings in healthy adults. The treatment was effective in preventing life-threatening reactions, even in those who had previously experienced severe symptoms.
Medication protects patients with peanut allergies
A new anti-IgE antibody has shown promise in preventing severe allergic reactions to peanuts. The treatment increased patients' threshold sensitivity to peanut flour, allowing them to consume more without a reaction.
Bacterial infections alter allergic response
A recent study suggests that bacterial infections can modify the allergic response, potentially preventing asthma and allergies in children. The research found that mice infected with M. pneumoniae showed a milder reaction to allergens than control mice.
Allergen-free shrimp? seafood marks a place in food safety research
Researchers are conducting studies on shrimp to better understand the genetic basis for proteins causing allergic responses. By altering the epitopes in shrimp allergens, binding action could be stopped, potentially leading to allergen-free foods.
People with food allergies should not only be careful about what they eat
A severe allergic anaphylactic reaction was triggered in a woman with shellfish allergy after kissing her boyfriend, who had eaten shrimp hours earlier. The incident highlights the importance of counseling patients to avoid exposure to food allergens through all potential routes, including kissing and touching.
Green tea may fight allergies
Researchers identified a green tea compound that may block a key cell receptor involved in allergic responses, potentially providing an anti-allergenic effect. The study found that the compound, methylated EGCG, is more potent than previously discovered compounds and may work against various allergens.
Multiple pets may decrease children’s allergy risk
Children exposed to two or more pets during their first year of life were on average 66-77% less likely to develop allergic antibodies, a significant finding that challenges current understanding of allergy development.
Experimental therapy stops allergic reactions in mice
A new experimental approach has been developed to treat allergic diseases, with scientists creating a genetically engineered molecule called GE2 that connects two receptors on key immune system cells. The molecule short-circuits allergic reactions, including asthma and anaphylaxis, by cross-linking receptor molecules.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 30, 2002
Stressed intestine can give rise to food allergy
Researchers found that stressed mice exhibited increased diarrhoea responses to egg albumin, while non-stressed mice also showed occasional reactions. The study suggests chronic stress may contribute to food allergies and intestinal diseases like Crohn's disease.
Experimental treatment for hayfever is safe, effective, and fast
A new clinical study by Johns Hopkins researchers shows that an experimental immunotherapy for severe ragweed allergy dramatically reduces allergic symptoms, such as runny noses, sneezing, and itchy eyes. The treatment nearly eliminates the need for relief medications and is substantially safer than conventional allergy shots.
American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for February (first issue)
A new study found that caregivers with higher perceived stress levels had infants who experienced more wheezing episodes during the first 14 months of life. Additionally, exposure to German cockroach allergen was associated with increased risk of asthma attacks in susceptible children. Researchers also developed a molecular model of th...
SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2002
American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for November (second issue)
Eating at least two apples per week and higher selenium intake may reduce adult asthma incidence. Farm childhood experiences also lower risk of allergic reactions to cat dander and Timothy grass, reducing nasal congestion symptoms.
SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 13, 2001
Steroids more effective than antihistamines when used as needed for allergies
Researchers found intranasal corticosteroids more effective than antihistamines for seasonal allergies, especially in patients with severe disease. The study suggests revising guidelines to recommend regular use of steroids for severe cases and as-needed use for mild cases.
Early assessment predicts long-term efficacy of HIV-1 antiretroviral therapy
A new study found that early assessment of HIV-1 antiretroviral drug efficacy can predict long-term effectiveness. Patients with a continuous decline of HIV-1 concentrations within 0.72 log by day 6 after treatment initiation are likely to experience poor long-term responses.
Food allergy reactions in schools: Improvements needed to reduce and respond
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that 18% of schoolchildren experience food-allergy attacks, with milk and peanut being the most common culprits. Parents and schools must work together to provide emergency plans and medication to prevent reactions.
Cincinnati Children's researchers uncover critical food allergy pathway
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified eotaxin as a critical protein in the development of food allergies. By blocking eotaxin, new drugs may prevent allergic reactions in the gastrointestinal tract, providing hope for those affected by food allergies.
SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2000
Children with egg allergy not at increased risk of severe reactions to MMR
Research suggests that children allergic to eggs are not at a higher risk of anaphylaxis from the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. A growing body of evidence shows that only minor reactions may occur in some cases.
National Jewish Medical And Research Center Shows Rush Immunotherapy Results In Allergen-Specific Changes In T Cells
Researchers found that rush immunotherapy targeting a single allergen makes distinct changes in T cells and prevents allergic reactions. The study showed that T cells produce more interferon gamma, an element that lowers allergic responses, and shut off production of pro-allergic cytokines.
Severe Reactions That Mimic Allergic Reactions Can Be Potentially Fatal Without Special Treatment
People with idiopathic anaphylaxis experience unpredictable, life-threatening symptoms without an external cause. Prompt diagnosis and preventive therapy with a combination of prednisone, hydroxyzine, and albuterol are critical to prevent death.
Researchers Close In On Source Of Peanut Allergy
Scientists have narrowed down the list of suspect peanut proteins from 30 to seven, a significant step towards developing effective treatments for peanut allergies. The identification of these specific proteins opens up new avenues for investigation, including gene injection therapy and vaccine development.
Bee Sting Treatment Should Emphasize Speed, Not Method Of Removal
Researchers challenge conventional wisdom that scraping off bee stings is more effective than pinching them out. Immediate removal of the sting, rather than its method of removal, reduces the amount of venom injected. Delaying removal increases welt size and envenomization.